Pace bowler appointed associate

This is a supplied media release.

Former Central Stags pace bowler Kurt Richards has been appointed associate director at Hawke’s Bay property valuation and strategy company Turley & Co.

He played professional cricket in England after being injured in his first game for the Central Stags.

After a successful season abroad he returned to hometown Napier in 2010 with the ambition of being a contracted player and had Black Caps aspirations, but was dogged by injury.

“It’s a common trait with pace bowlers – some seasons you’re on the side-lines more than you play. But when you are fast you can be quite sought-after” he said.

Because of his parents’ insistence of a backup plan he graduated from Massey University with a Bachelor of Business Studies with majors in financial economics, valuation and property management. While studying he played representative cricket.

He said it was an “unusual decision” to pursue his property career when he still had sporting potential, but had no regrets. Being a registered valuer in Hawke’s Bay was rewarding despite a “flat out” pace in a currently-heated market.

It was also at a scale he had not anticipated.

“I just signed off a $14 million valuation and now I’m working with colleagues on strategies for a major corporate with properties nationally over $20 million.”

Managing director Pat Turley said Mr Richards was professional and thorough, recently discovering a World War II underground air raid shelter to the surprise of the property owner.  Mr Richards was an expert witness for a bank market rent valuation arbitration and a Commerce Commission hearing.  He is “property litigation experienced and successful.”  He is a Turley & Co property market reports contributing analyst since the tail-end of the GFC “covering pretty much a full market cycle.”

Despite being called upon to play for the Stags at the start of last year and enjoying an injury-free run, the 30-year-old said he has no regrets concentrating on his property career and enjoyed a mentoring role at Havelock North Cricket Club. 

 “I like seeing young guys coming through and bowling quick spells, it’s good to watch, but I can get it through if I need too.”